Pet Lovers' Choice Awards: Meet the top dogs and cats in the Southwest

Ted from Tucson strictly rides shotgun, and his preferred method of transportation is a Cadillac Escalade. Riding in style, he snagged second place in Arizona.

Blaze is a rescue dog born on April 20. His owner from Tolleson, Arizona, says despite his sweet demeanor, he can be a bull in a China shop. This big cuddle bug placed third in his state.

Ace of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a pup with heterochromia, a harmless condition that creates two different eye colors. His owner says he's a sweetheart who loves everyone. He captured the hearts of voters as he locked up first place for his state.

Hurricane, who is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, sings to the trumpet on "Sunday Morning with Jane Pauly." The voters decided he was worthy of second place for his state.

When he's not chomping on apple cores or ice cubes, Dipper is burrowing under the blankets in his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. He takes home third place for his state.

This great Pyrenees lives in Piedmont, Oklahoma; Gravy is a rescue who is 120 pounds of pure fluff. Believe it or not, he's one of five dogs in his household!

Duke Wayne Walters of Stilwell, Oklahoma, is living with his grandparents while dad serves in the military. Although he has chronic pancreatitis, that doesn't slow him down. Duke gets the silver medal for his state.

Gus Adams is a black marble Pomeranian from Bartlesville, Oklahoma. After his adoption from the Animal Rescue Foundation in the area, he quickly became king of the household! Gus earned third place in his state.

Luke, a big golden retriever with an even bigger heart, has a hue similar to the name of his hometown: Amarillo, Texas. When he's not catching softballs or teasing his cat sister at home, he visits hospital to brighten the days of the patients and staff. It's no wonder he's "top dog" of the Lone Star state.

Her owner claims that Juicy Queen is the most famous pug in all of Dallas. She loves to scream for food, and apparently has more energy than the Energizer bunny, to boot. Juicy Queen earned second place for the state of Texas.